2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S revealed

by Bob Nagy | May 4, 2013 7:20 AM

Due for their official reveals this fall at the Frankfurt Auto show, the 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S have just broken cover. While the iconic Porsche 911 celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the Turbo is turning 40. To mark that occasion, the T-charged model is transitioning to the new "991" platform architecture that underpins the current 911. That changeover and the accompanying redesign have yielded the biggest, most powerful and Porsche says best-handling Turbo and Turbo S models ever.

Both of these new T-charged Porsches still pack a 3.8-liter direct-injected flat-6 engine force-fed by a pair of turbochargers that feature efficiency-enhancing variable turbine geometry. However, changes for 2014 see the 911 Turbo make 520 horsepower -- a 20-pony bump from the current car -- while output of the hotter Turbo S engine rises from 530 to 560 horses. Both engines are mated exclusively to Porsche's 7-speed PDK double-clutch automatic transmission, sending power to all four corners of the car via a new all-wheel-drive system that Porsche says is even stronger and more capable than the current setup.

As for hard stats, a new 911 Turbo fitted with the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus can streak from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds and hit 196 mph, while the Turbo S needs just 2.9 ticks to reach that sprint benchmark and will touch 198 mph on the top end. As an extra bonus, both variants also are expected to deliver substantially better fuel economy. Part of that gain will come from a new auto start/stop function that also can shut off the engine when the car is coasting at speed.

To keep them looking the part, the 911 Turbo and Turbo S feature unique exterior tweaks, the most prominent being significantly wider rear body panels that stretch an additional 1.1 inches beyond the dimensions of those used on the "widebody" Carrera4. The T-cars also boast large air intakes ahead and aft of the rear wheels, dual-paired exhaust outlets and 20-inch forged alloy wheels -- with a center-lock design on the Turbo S. This hotter variant also comes with full-LED headlights, four-point daytime running lights and camera-based high/low beam control, all of which are optional on the 911 Turbo. For the first time, the 911 Turbo set will be fitted with an active aerodynamics system. It pairs a pneumatically adjustable front spoiler with an adjustable rear wing; both of which offer three different settings that can significantly increase high-speed downforce at both axles.

In addition to their new, larger-but-lighter aluminum/alloy-intensive structures, revised suspension setups, a 3.9-inch longer wheelbase and wider track dimensions, these new Turbo variants also come with the same rear-wheel steering system found on Porsche's hot GT3 model. At speeds up to 31 mph, it turns the rear wheels in counter motion to the fronts to quicken turn-in and enhance agility. Beyond 50 mph, it cranks them in the same direction to improve high-speed steering feel and cornering stability. The Turbo S also features Porsche's Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active anti-roll system -- a first-use on any 911 Turbo -- as well as the Sport Chrono Package Plus with dynamic engine mounts and Porsche Carbon Ceramic Composite Brakes. All of those performance-popping elements also are available on the 911 Turbo.